EPIA PD-Series Operating Guide
November 18, 2004
- 13 -
Version 1.1
VIA EPIA PD-Series Linux & Microsoft Driver Support
Linux Driver Support
The VIA EPIA PD-Series mainboards have a very high degree of support under Linux.
Support and drivers are provided through various methods including:
•
Drivers provided by VIA
•
Using a driver built into a distribution package
•
Installing VIA’s pre-compiled driver binary
•
Compiling VIA’s driver source code
•
Installing a third party driver (such as the ALSA driver from the Advanced Linux Sound
Architecture project for integrated audio)
Full instructions for the most popular distribution packages are updated monthly and are available for free
download from the
Linux Arena
on
www.viaarena.com
The
Linux Application notes
on VIA Arena also
contains further useful information to optimize system performance, such as increasing IDE performance
beyond the capabilities of an in-built driver, measuring hard disk performance, enabling hardware
monitoring features and other practical guides such as installing CD re-writers, enabling the USB 2.0
controller, and much more.
For OEM clients and system integrators developing a product for long term production, other code and
other resources may also be made available. You can submit a request either through the
Developers
portal
on VIA Arena, or through your VEPD support contact. Alternatively, VIA in some circumstances will
also work towards providing a driver to suite your specific needs.
The
Linux Arena
is updated at least once per month. Other information, notes and links to specific areas
of interest can also be found on the
EPIA Mainboards driver page
. Many OEMs and system integrators
also find it valuable to discuss their development with other Linux users in the dedicated
Linux Category
of the
VIA Arena Forums
, which is monitored by VIA staff.
Microsoft Driver Support
VIA EPIA PD offers full support for the complete range of Microsoft operating systems.
A Windows XP Embedded support package for VIA EPIA PD mainboards is available on the
WinXP
Embedded Applications Notes
page, to facilitate evaluation and development. OEMs and System
Integrators should, however, customize their own binary images according to their actual product
specifications and application requirements. Sample component implementation for the CLE266 and
Northbridge as well as integrated audio on the VT8235 Southbridge is also provided to assist in
development. Updates to this support page are made on a monthly basis and further sample components
will be released. Components of the VIA EPIA PD mainboard are also supported in Service Pack 1 (SP1).